Captain Carla Johnson
Please give a brief history of your experience
As a captain, I command Operations Division East with a budget of $13 million and a staff of 125. My previous assignments were to Police Human Resources, City Human Resources (Interim Director), Public Safety Academy, Property Crimes Division, downtown patrol division, and Professional Standards Division, with oversight of accreditation, internal affairs, and internal audit.
As a lieutenant, I worked as an assistant patrol commander in south, midtown, and downtown patrol divisions. I spent one year commanding the family and sex crimes section, which included units investigating sexual assault, child homicides, domestic violence, child abuse, and sex offender tracking.
As a sergeant, I supervised squads in the south side patrol division. I also oversaw the investigation of child sexual abuse cases, and investigated allegations of police misconduct while assigned to the Office of Internal Affairs.
As a detective, I investigated allegations of sexual assault and other adult sex crimes. I worked closely with victim advocacy groups and the Pima County Attorney’s Office; interviewed victims, witnesses and suspects; responded to and processed crime scenes; prepared cases for trial; and testified under oath.
As an officer, following the police academy, I worked a patrol beat on the south side of Tucson. This was followed by a downtown walking beat, then a staff officer position in a unit attached to the field bureau assistant chief. The latter position entailed preparing staff studies, writing departmental rules and procedures, creating forms, responding to Mayor and Council inquiries, coordinating with external groups such as the administrative arm of the Arizona Supreme Court, and performing other duties as needed.
What made you want to get into a career in Law Enforcement?
Shortly after graduating from college with a degree in psychology, a friend suggested law enforcement as a career. I was initially skeptical. Upon reflection, I realized that first responders had a significant impact on long-term recovery for victims of crime and other trauma. I felt that being a first responder was a meaningful way to serve my community. I also thought that the institution of policing would benefit from having more women, minorities, and college-educated people in its ranks.
What concerns, if any, did your family and friends have with you becoming a police officer and did their concerns change after successful completion of your training?
Families always worry, and mine was no different. I assured them that police officers are well-trained, and that in an urban setting, reinforcements are nearby. Also, as a woman, I found that I could quickly de-escalate tense situations with verbal skills. Male suspects will often spar with male officers to prove their manhood or “alpha” status. Fighting with a woman does not help them in this area.
Did you find it hard to compete with male officers during the academy and FTO program?
I always struggled with the fitness aspect of the job. I met standards, but only with great effort, especially in running. I did not feel I was competing against the men, but rather the standard. That being said, being nearly six feet tall, I had good command presence coupled with a calm demeanor. I was also very strong, so once I had a suspect on the ground, he wasn’t going anywhere.
How do you balance family life and shift work?
I have come to realize that you have to schedule your family on your appointment calendar, and give them a high priority whenever possible. If it’s scheduled, it will usually happen. With time on the job, we accrue a fair amount of leave. It is incumbent upon us to use that leave to help balance work and life.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation you could not handle because you were a female? If so, how did you deal with this?
No. Everyone has different strengths and styles. If we play to our strengths, we usually have enough tools in our “tool box” to accomplish the job.
Did you have any issues getting hired and how did you cope with the academy physical fitness requirements?
The hiring process was long but not difficult. I got through the physical fitness requirements through sheer stubbornness. Quitting was not an option.
What unique qualities do you bring to TPD due to being a female?
As women, on average, we are not quite as strong or as fast as men. Being cognizant of my limitations, I invested more energy in developing my negotiation skills. For me, law enforcement has always been more of a mental than a physical endeavor. We need all types of people in law enforcement – the cerebral, the well-muscled, the charismatic, the swift of foot. We need diverse perspectives, as well, if we are to solve today’s complex problems.
Give some examples of situations where being a female officer helped resolve a situation?
Early in my career, when narcotics investigators needed more comprehensive searches of female suspects, I was often called. As a detective in adult sexual assault, many victims preferred to deal with female investigators. Once on a traffic stop, as I was approaching the driver, I saw that she was unbuttoning her blouse to show more cleavage. When she saw I was another woman, she sighed disgustedly and received her citation without complaint. I find that abused children are sometimes more comfortable with a woman, especially if their abuser was male.
What has been your most memorable experience as a police officer?
There have been many memorable experiences. One that immediately comes to mind is the serial rapist who was convicted and given three “25 years to life” sentences, to be served consecutively.
How has the Department assisted you in reaching your career goals?
We have a relatively large agency, about a thousand sworn, so there are many opportunities to grow and learn while serving in different roles. These varied experiences have helped me as I have promoted through the ranks. The department also encouraged me to obtain my Master’s degree, and sent me to many fine schools, including the FBI National Academy, a ten-week course for police leaders from all parts of the globe.
What advice would you give to women who want to become police officers?
First, keep your personal life unsullied, because you won’t get hired with arrests, drug abuse, and unethical behavior in your background. Second, drop the excess weight and start working out. You need to be able to meet rigorous fitness standards, and six weeks before the academy is too late to start preparing. Third, go on ridealongs with police officers so you know what the work entails. I happen to think it’s the best job in the world, but it is not for everyone.